One of two historic covered bridges in Virginia's Patrick County, the Bob White Bridge** was one of only eight remaining bridges in the state. Named for the unmistakable evening call of the bobwhite quail, the bridge was built so area residents could easily cross Smith River to attend the Smith River Church of the Brethren. Built by Walter Weaver in 1921, the bridge followed a simple queen post truss design and utilizes two spans in its overall 80 foot length. Also known as the Lower Covered Bridge, the Bob White Bridge was within a mile of the Jack's Creek Covered Bridge. Also designed by Walter Weaver, the Jack's Creek Bridge (Upper Covered Bridge) used a queen post truss as well, serving Jack's Creek Primitive Baptist Church parishioners.
   Bypassed by modern bridges, both covered bridges were the main subjects of an annual summer festival. Slated for mid June, the Patrick County Covered Bridge Festival includes live music, food vendors, antique vehicle show and children's activities. One of the highlights of the festival offered hay rides and horse-drawn wagon rides between the two bridges.

   ** Bob White Covered Bridge Update: Late September, 2015, Patrick County received heavy storms, with some reports measuring a foot of rain. Weather reports from Woolwine saw record amounts, some recording 18 inches. Unfortunately on September 29th the rain-swollen Smith River washed the Bob White Bridge from its abutments and completely destroyed the structure. The bridge stood in Patrick County for more than 90 years and leaves the county with only one historic covered bridge. In an effort for the reconstruction of the bridge, contributions may be sent to the Woolwine RFR Covered Bridge Committee, P.O. Box 275, Woolwine, Va. 24185..

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